Preparing For A Trip To Eswatini?

Visa Information / Entry requirements – Eswatini

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Eswatini set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Eswatini’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

Usually British passport holders do not require visas for Eswatini.

Travellers entering and exiting the Kingdom of Eswatini must produce either of the following, upon arrival at the points of entry:

i) If fully vaccinated, a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (hard or electronic).

OR

ii) A valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result (hard or electronic) that is not older than 72 hours, for the unvaccinated.

“Fully vaccinated” means complete doses of a vaccine, i.e. two doses for a two-dose vaccine, and one dose for a one-dose vaccine.

Valid vaccination certificates considered are those of COVID-19 vaccine candidates that have been prequalified by WHO. This will be updated periodically as the need arises.

Vaccination cards are not allowed at points of entry – only vaccination certificates allowed.

Outbound travellers from Eswatini must also comply with the requirements of airlines and the country of transit and destination.

Children under 12 years are exempted from the above measures.

In addition, all travellers, upon arrival at the points of entry will be screened for the following:

• Symptoms of COVID-19
• Temperature checks
• Health declaration form

Travellers may be required to undergo a quarantine period not exceeding 14 days or isolation as advised by the Port Health Officers.

You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

If you’re fully vaccinated

A valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (hard or electronic) is required as proof of vaccination status.

Proof of vaccination status

Eswatini will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

A valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result (hard or electronic) that is not older than 72 hours is required if you are not fully vaccinated.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year

Entry requirements for Eswatini are the same for all travellers, regardless of whether you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past year.

Children and young people

Children under 12 years are exempted from the entry requirements.

If you’re transiting through a South African airport with children, see our South Africa travel advice page for information and advice about the documents you’ll need to carry.

If you’re transiting through Eswatini

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

Check with your airline before departing.

Exemptions

There are no exemptions to Eswatini’s entry requirements.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

If you are visiting Eswatini, your passport should be valid for 3 months from the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

If you intend to visit South Africa before or after travelling to Eswatini, you’ll need to have an additional 2 blank pages to enter and leave South Africa.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

Usually British passport holders do not require visas for Eswatini.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry into, transit and exit from Eswatini. Your Emergency Travel Document should have a minimum of 6 months remaining validity.

Tourism Health Information – Eswatini

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Local medical care

Basic healthcare is available in Eswatini, but there are shortages of even common medications. Medical evacuation to South Africa is necessary for serious accidents and emergencies. Local private hospitals can arrange evacuation but only if you are fully insured or you can produce funds in advance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 933 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Eswatini annual calendar full of traditional & modern events

Below is a Calendar of Events in Eswatini, ranging from the major annual cultural festivals, to organised hikes or small one-off event evenings at a particular hotel or restaurant. They are listed in date order but can also be filtered by Type and Date and Location (though Eswatini is so compact, any event can be attended wherever you are in the country!)

Eswatini is known around the world for the magnificent traditional festivals that the country hosts. Chief amongst these are the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) held in August / September, the Incwala  held in December / January and the Marula Festival in February-March. These are living cultural events that, bar the odd wristwatch and mobile phone, have hardly changed in two hundred years. Visitors are allowed to watch, but the ceremonies make no concession to tourism; even the precise dates are not published in advance, being dependent on the vagaries of ancestral astrology. The main events happen at the royal parade grounds at Ludzidzini or other royal residencies, but the mood of celebration sweeps the nation, and visitors to the country around the time of the events will doubtless see wandering bands of warriors or maidens decked out in full regalia as they head to or from the festivities.

Alongside the traditional, there is now a growing number of modern events gaining international recognition. One that leads the way and has gained an excellent international reputation over many years is the MTN BUSHFIRE Festival – a performing arts festival held every May. Hot on its heels is the younger Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, held in late September in 2022 at the same venue.

The country also plays host to a number of sporting events around the year, particularly a series of challenging mountain bike races.

Weather & When To Go to Eswatini to Eswatini

As with all Southern Hemisphere countries, seasons are opposite to that of the majority of Europe and North America in the Northern Hemisphere. Generally speaking, rain falls mostly during the summer months, often in the form of thunderstorms typical of tropical environments, although Eswatini can vary from tropical to temperate.

The dry season (Winter) lasts from mid-April to mid-October, with an average temperature of 20°C (the days being sunny and the nights chilly). The rainy season begins at the end of October, lasting through to March. During the dry seasons expect hot days when the sun is out, but temperatures can drop quickly at night with extra layers needed at all year round.

Variations in temperature are also dependent on the altitude of the different regions with temperatures of up to 40 degree having been recorded in some areas.

Monthly Guide

All activities in Eswatini are available year-round, but here are a few ideas of what to try out each month. Also take a look at the Events page for more details on specific events happening in the country this year, including Eswatini’s famed Festivals.

January

Start off in and around Swailand’s tourism heart, the Ezulwini Valley, for an introduction to the country – visit to the Mantenga Cultural Village and explore Mlilwane Sanctuary – by vehicle, on foot, by bike or on horseback.

February

It’s Festival time! The Marula Festival celebrates the harvest of the Marula fruit – and try a drink or two!

March

It’s pretty warm in the lowveld, so head up to the highlands of Malolotja to visit the World’s Oldest mine at Ngwenya and experience the thrilling Tree Top Canopy Tour.

April

Take some time to investigate Eswatini’s vast array of internationally renowned handicrafts, produced by socially responsible, community focused organisations – see the artisans in action and do some shopping!

May

One of the biggest and certainly the best performing arts festival in Southern Africa is Eswatini’s Bushfire. A feast for all senses and a worthy modern addition to the traditional festival calendar.

June

Make the most of the dry season winter months to try out White Water Rafting while the Usutu River is likely to be flowing more gently (or try this in January for a more challenging experience!)

July

Take part in the Sibebe Survivor to trek up and down the world’s Largest Granite dome – Sibebe Rock. The views from the top are stupendous.

August

Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance is one of the most breathtaking sights on the continent – tens of thousands of brightly dressed girls dancing for the King and Queen mother! The scale and spectacle can only be truly appreciated firsthand.

September

With vegetation low, track Mkhaya’s famed rhino on foot for the most thrilling safari experience possible.

October

Before the temperatures rise, visit Eswatini’s biggest national Park, Hlane, for a chance to see lion (and more rhino, of course).

November

Pay a visit to Shewula to learn about Swazi life – a wonderful community tourism project on the Lubombo Mountains, with views back across the whole country.

December

End the year with a visit to Eswatini’s most important and sacred Festival – the Incwala Festival.